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Thupeyo Muleya Beitbridge Bureau

Community members here, among them businessmen have widened the fundraising net to raise R200 000 to rehabilitate ambulances and service vehicles at Beitbridge District Hospital which have become obsolete.

The group, operating under the banner “Friends of Beitbridge Hospital” has so far managed to put back on the road three ambulances in the last four months.

One of the ambulances, a Mazda B2200 was delivered in April, while two others-a Toyota Land Cruiser and a Mazda BT50 were handed over to the health institution in June.

The first ambulance was fixed at a cost of R13 000 and a total of $152 0000 and US$1 650 were used to rehabilitate the Toyota Cruiser and the Mazda BT50 respectively.

Prior to the community’s intervention, the 140-bed hospital was relying on one ambulance to service the 250 000 local population and 13 000 transiting through the town daily.

Friends of Beitbridge Hospital spokesperson Mr Nqobile Ncube said in a statement that their target was to raise at least R200 000 to fix five ambulances and three service vehicles which have been grounded for over a decade.

“Among other fundraising initiatives, we have launched a raffle, so that we may be able to raise funds to fix all the five remaining grounded vehicles,” said Mr Ncube.

He said initially, the raffle was set to be held on August 27, but after the board of trustees meeting on August 26, it was agreed that they push it to October 29.

“We are close to attaining the minimum threshold required to close the project and have noted that the progress had slightly be slowed down by Covid-19 restrictions. In September, more focus will be on the back to school.”

Mr Ncube said they had decided to expand the number of ticket focal persons and centres to create wider availability and access of the raffle tickets.

He said they were also increasing community sector engagement to pool more resources in the shortest possible time.

Among the prices to be won at the raffle in October, were cell phones, a fridge, and a television set.

“Those willing to assist the health institution may contact our treasurer (Mr Peter Zvenyika) at Border Service Station,” he said.

“In addition, we want to appreciate the help and cooperation we are getting from the community members across all sectors. It is important that we work together in promoting home-grown solutions to some of our challenges.”